I have been trying out drawing random things, and one thing that I like to draw is people. Normally I draw Anime-styled, but that's because I find it really hard to have the correct proportions. [With Anime characters I like to say that they have "chaotic proportions"].
But still, I have tried to draw one with "okay" proportions. I cannot figure out what is wrong with this, but I have been trying to decide.. I noticed that I had some trouble with the right shoulder [the left one in the picture]. I coulnd't find out what length/size it should be to look correct.
What do you think it is that makes this looks so weird?

This was done 100%, from scratch, in Photoshop CS3:
There are two versions, one that is the original, and another with the "Smudge Stick" filter applied.

As far as proportions go, once you get them in your head, they're easy to follow. These might not be correct though since I'm writing from memory:

- Both shoulders should be 2 heads length for men and one and a half (more or less) for women.
- The length of the neck is half head.
- The arms go to more or less, half of the thighs and the elbows are at the waist.

The rest I just go with the flow I guess...the torso is more or less two heads I think.

As far as your drawing goes:
The main issue I see is the boobs, they're too low IMO. Her left shoulder seems a bit too big proportion wise and her face seems too round, shapeless.

As far as anime-ish goes... depends on what you see as anime proportions, some are quite realistic and IMO it's always good to go first for realism and then for style.

Elysia

24-09-07, 21:32

I made this about a year ago: http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=61889

It tells you how to construct a basic human figure using a technique that many artists use. Lots of people think that you just draw people as a 'whole', but in truth, you construct them from basic lines and shapes, adding detail as you go.

Along with the advice Dollie has given, I hope this might help you :)

Paperdoll

24-09-07, 21:37

I made this about a year ago: http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=61889

And that's mainly what taught me proportions :D

Izzie404

24-09-07, 22:30

Yea, that link really helped. One thing that I don't do often is a basic skeleton first, and I'm trying to change that.. [I drew a Fawn during History class, and it looked really cool, but it was on the back of my test, so I had to erase it] lol..

edit:
hahaha.. I tried to do a new [quickie] drawing, and it turned out pretty funky. The bloody proportions!! :p When I draw, it just...doesn't turn out right.. lol